Weight Loss Does Not Mean Happiness

New research from the UK finds that while weight loss was associated with improved health, the mental benefits, if any, were fleeting.

Researchers followed 1,979 overweight and obese adults in the UK and found that people who lost five percent or more of their initial body weight over four years showed significant changes in markers of physical health.

However, individuals were more likely to report depressed mood than those who stayed within five percent of their original weight.

Historically, clinical trials of weight loss have been shown to improve participants’ mood, but this could be a result of the supportive environment rather than the weight loss itself. Investigators now believe these effects are seen very early on in treatment and are not related to the extent of weight loss over time.

It’s important to note this new result does not mean that weight loss necessarily causes depression directly, as depression and weight loss may share a common cause.

However, it shows that weight loss outside the clinical trial setting cannot be assumed to improve mood and raises questions about the psychological impact of weight loss.

Investigators reviewed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a UK study of adults aged 50 or older — excluding participants with a diagnosis of clinical depression or a debilitating illness.

Depressed mood and overall well-being were assessed using standard questionnaires and weight was measured by trained nurses.

Of the 1,979 overweight and obese participants, 278 (14 percent) lost at least five percent of their initial body weight with a mean weight loss of 6.8 kg per person.

Before adjusting for serious health issues and major life events such as bereavement, which can cause both weight loss and depressed mood, the people who lost weight were 78 percent more likely to report depressed mood.

After controlling for these, the increased odds of depressed mood remained significant at 52 percent.

“We do not want to discourage anyone from trying to lose weight, which has tremendous physical benefits, but people should not expect weight loss to instantly improve all aspects of life,” said lead author Sarah Jackson, M.D.

“Aspirational advertising by diet brands may give people unrealistic expectations about weight loss. They often promise instant life improvements, which may not be borne out in reality for many people.”

In other words, people should understand that weight loss may not be a panacea for all mental and physical woes, rather, people should be realistic about weight loss and be prepared for the challenges.

“Resisting the ever-present temptations of unhealthy food in modern society takes a mental toll, as it requires considerable willpower and may involve missing out on some enjoyable activities,” said Jackson.

This work can affect well-being as anyone who has ever been on a diet would understand.

“However, mood may improve once target weight is reached and the focus is on weight maintenance. Our data only covered a four year period so it would be interesting to see how mood changes once people settle into their lower weight.”

In summary, researchers believe health care professionals should monitor patients’ mental as well as physical health when recommending or responding to weight loss, and offer support where necessary.

Moreover, people who are trying to lose weight should be aware of the challenges and not be afraid to seek support, whether from friends, family, or healthcare professionals.

Senior author Professor Jane Wardle, director of the Cancer Research UK Health Behavior Centre at University College of London, said, “A recent UK survey found that 60 percent of overweight and obese adults in the UK are trying to lose weight. There are clear benefits in terms of physical health, which our study confirmed.

“People who lost weight achieved a reduction in blood pressure and serum triglycerides; significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. However, patients and doctors alike should be aware that there is no immediate psychological benefit and there may be an increased risk of depression.”

Related Articles

About Rick Nauert PhD

Dr. Rick Nauert has over 25 years experience in clinical, administrative and academic healthcare. He is currently an associate professor for Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals doctoral program in health promotion and wellness. Dr. Nauert began his career as a clinical physical therapist and served as a regional manager for a publicly traded multidisciplinary rehabilitation agency for 12 years. He has masters degrees in health-fitness management and healthcare administration and a doctoral degree from The University of Texas at Austin focused on health care informatics, health administration, health education and health policy. His research efforts included the area of telehealth with a specialty in disease management.